Agenda Item Wording:
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Approve the Repair, Installation, and Startup of a Membrane Bioreactor Blower - Approve the issuance of a Sole Source Purchase Order to APGN, Inc. in the amount of $39,340 for the repair, installation, and startup of a Membrane Bioreactor Blower at the Water Reclamation Facility and appropriate $39,340 from the Wastewater Fund.
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Deadline for Action: 5/19/2025
Submitting Department: Public Works
Contact Name and Phone Number: Ben Litwack, Public Works Manager, 713-4671, ben.litwack@visalia.gov; Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, 713-4052 nick.bartsch@visalia.gov
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends to approve the issuance of a Sole Source Purchase Order to APGN, Inc. in the amount of $39,340 for the repair, installation, and startup of a Membrane Bioreactor Blower at the Water Reclamation Facility and the appropriation $39,340 from the Wastewater Fund.
Background Discussion:
The Visalia Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) utilizes Neuros NX300-C060 blowers to provide agitation air to the Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) system. This agitation air is critical to the proper functioning of the MBR membranes, as it prevents membrane fouling by continuously scouring debris from the membrane surfaces and maintaining optimal system performance.
In January of this year, Blower #4 failed due to high rotor vibration. In early March, the blower unit was sent to APGN, Inc. for assessment. APGN is the exclusive factory-authorized repair and service provider for Neuros blowers in the United States. Upon inspection, APGN determined that the internal core of the unit was damaged and in need of repair.
APGN proposed to repair the blower core, return the rebuilt unit to the Visalia WRF, and provide on-site installation and startup services. Due to the specialized nature of the equipment and the proprietary components involved, it is necessary to issue a sole source purchase order to APGN, Inc. for these services. Using the OEM-authorized service provider ensures the blower will be restored to original specifications, maintains the integrity of system performance, and prevents potential warranty or compatibility issues that could arise from using non-authorized vendors.
Failure to repair and reinstall the blower in a timely manner risks reducing operational redundancy in the MBR process, which could negatively impact treatment capacity and regulatory compliance.
Fiscal Impact:
The cost of the repair, site visit, and associated travel expenses is $39,340. To pay for these costs, $39,340 will need to be appropriated from the Wastewater Fund (431) to the Mechanical Maintenance Division (4334) in the Wastewater Operations Budget.
Prior Council Action: N/A
Other: N/A
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to approve the issuance of a Sole Source Purchase Order to APGN, Inc. in the amount of $39,340 for the repair, installation, and startup of a Membrane Bioreactor Blower at the Water Reclamation Facility and the appropriation $39,340 from the Wastewater Fund.
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments:
APGN - Quote
APGN - Sole Source
APGN - Levine Act Statement